Originally posted on fourth generation farmgirl:
Ten years ago this year, my husband, Scott and I moved to the place where I grew-up. Although Green Hill Farm in rural Virginia is a 100-year-old family farm, the main house was built around 1790, the brick cottage between 1750-1775, and the farm was referred to as Green Hill as early as the mid-1800s.…
I hadn’t planned to write a post today as I’m feeling sad and a little mopey about Maud. While I’m happy she’s not suffering anymore, I miss her. I keep thinking I need to take her for a little walk, give her medicine, or look in on her. I miss Maud’s presence. I’ve spent a lot of time with Dash over the course of the day, figuring he may be somewhat confused by Maud’s absence. Plus, I needed to be around him more as well. It’s been a sunny, beautiful day on Green Hill Farm, and Dash and I have taken full advantage of it by going on two, long walks. On our jaunt around the pastures, I noticed both the sheep and chickens basking in the warmth, enjoying the spring weather. A sight that offered solace. This afternoon, I was running a tiny bit late feeding the barn cats and collecting eggs–just feeling a little off, I guess. Anyway, I walked into the barn, and “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)” by The Byrds was playing on the radio. I don’t know if you’re familiar with the song, but the lyrics, except for the title which is repeated throughout the song, and the final verse of the song, are adapted almost word-for-word from Chapter 3 of the Book of Ecclesiastes, set to music and recorded in 1962. “To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a […]
I really don’t know if I can take one. more. day. of winter. As I sit here writing, rain is sprinkling against the windows. It’s solid gray outside, and the ground is so soggy due to snow and rain that water squishes around my boots when I walk to the barn and chicken coop. The yard is like a marsh […]
Originally posted on fourth generation farmgirl:
Growing up on a farm as a child afforded many wonderful experiences. Meaningful experiences that shaped my values and inspired me. I remember when I was about 6 or 7 years old, my dad decided that it would be nice to have fresh milk and eggs. So, he bought a Holstein cow named Bessie…
Originally posted on fourth generation farmgirl:
Acrostic poetry by Tonya R. Hengerer “Snow” Softly falling– Not a sound, Only Whirling, whirling to the ground. ? “Winter” When Icy, cold weather Naturally interrupts The warmth Enjoyed upon Earth Radiated by the sun. ? “Shovel” Something with which one Heaves snow Out of the way; a Very useful, Everyday tool–mostly Languishing in…
Originally posted on fourth generation farmgirl:
When I think of old houses or antiques, I’m reminded of the Japanese philosophy called wabi-sabi. Loosely translated, it’s the art of finding beauty in imperfection, revering authenticity above all. It celebrates cracks and scratches and all other marks that time, weather, and loving use leave behind. Some of the things that I love…
“In the end, only kindness matters.” ~Jewel Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! With love from all of us at Green Hill Farm, Scott, Tonya, Maud, Dash, Clementine, Finn, Olive, Churchill, and all of the sheep and chickens ********************** Thanks so much for following Fourth Generation Farmgirl!
I so enjoyed this post by the author of TBN Ranch blog. “Carol of the Bells” is one of my favorite Christmas carols; however, I had not quite heard it performed in this manner. The choir of chickens clucking out the tune completely cracked me up! I hope you’ll visit TBN Ranch blog and enjoy a slightly different version of […]
“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” ~Henry David Thoreau Farmgirl in Dad’s garden–circa 1972
“The more light you allow within you, the brighter the world you live in will be.” ~Shakti Gawain To be honest, some days here are difficult; however, I don’t have to look far to find a reason to feel grateful. Today was such a beautiful day–unseasonably warm and clear blue skies! So, I decided to take a stroll around […]
My name is Tonya, and I grew up on a 300-acre farm in rural Virginia that has been in my family for over 100 years. After graduating from college, receiving my master’s degree in speech and language pathology, and living and working in a small city for six years, I decided to return to the place of my childhood. Here, in this rural area, on this patch of green, where for four generations my family has farmed, gardened, and lived, I, too wanted to be a part of this continuity. As a fourth generation farmgirl, I have many interests that not only include, but also go beyond the basics of farming, gardening, sheep and chicken-keeping. It is all of this and more that I plan on sharing in this blog.
fourth generation farmgirl 